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Cowlitz County, WA Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)

Few Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permitted use: agricultural uses incl. livestock, § 18.10.245(B)
Minimum lot size (AG): 5 acres, Table 18.10.501
Rear/side setback (AG): 15 ft / 10 ft
Non-listed uses need: special use permit, § 18.10.245(E)
Civil penalty: $1,000 per violation, § 2.06.080

Summary

Unincorporated Cowlitz County protects farming as a by-right use through its Agriculture (AG) zoning district rather than a separate right-to-farm statute. Cowlitz County Code § 18.10.245 permits agricultural uses, including the raising of livestock, alongside single-family dwellings and accessory buildings on AG-zoned land without requiring a special use permit for the farming activity itself.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Cowlitz County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

§ 18.10.245. Agriculture (AG) – Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted in this zone district: A. Single-family dwellings and accessory buildings and uses; B. Agricultural uses including the raising of livestock and accessory buildings and uses; C. Recreation uses;

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Full Breakdown

245(B) lists 'agricultural uses including the raising of livestock and accessory buildings and uses' as a permitted use in the AG district, standing alongside single-family dwellings (item A) and recreation uses (item C). 251, rather than through a standalone immunity statute. 501 sets the AG district's minimum lot size at 5 acres with a 5-acre minimum district size, no maximum lot coverage percentage listed, and a 15-foot rear yard and 10-foot side yard setback. 315. 105 RCW compliance.

Violations & Fines

Using AG-zoned land for a use not on the § 18.10.245 permitted or special use list, without first obtaining a special use permit, is a Land Use Ordinance violation under Chapter 18.10 CCC. CCC § 2.06.040 makes the violation a civil infraction, and § 2.06.080 sets a $1,000 penalty per violation, doubling to $2,000 for a second violation of the same ordinance within three years and tripling for a third.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cowlitz County have a right-to-farm ordinance protecting farmers from nuisance complaints?

The county code does not contain a stand-alone right-to-farm nuisance-immunity chapter. Instead, farming is protected as a listed permitted use of the Agriculture (AG) zoning district under CCC § 18.10.245, which allows agricultural uses and livestock raising outright alongside single-family homes on AG land.

Can I raise livestock on AG-zoned land in unincorporated Cowlitz County without a permit?

Yes, for the agricultural use itself. Section 18.10.245(B) lists 'agricultural uses including the raising of livestock and accessory buildings and uses' as permitted outright in the AG district, though other non-agricultural uses on the same parcel may need a special use permit under § 18.10.245(E).

What is the minimum lot size for agricultural use in the AG district?

Table 18.10.501 sets a 5-acre minimum lot area and a 5-acre minimum district size for the AG zone, with a 15-foot rear yard and 10-foot side yard setback applying to structures on the property.

Sources & Official References

[1]Cowlitz County Code § 18.10.245 (eCode360)

Other rules in Cowlitz County

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome Restrictions Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome Restrictions Farm Nuisance ProtectionFew Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions

All Cowlitz County rules

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